Crosstown Centennial: The 42nd Street Shuttle

Saturday, May 12 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

On August 1, 1918, the subway tracks running between Times Square and Grand Central Terminal — part of the original subway line to serve New York City — were established as a shuttle to carry travelers between the two transit hubs; the next day, the shuttle had to be temporarily closed due to severe overcrowding. Since then, the 42nd Street Shuttle has been overhauled and its stations partly rebuilt, but it remains the major crosstown link in Midtown Manhattan. Join historian Joe Cunningham to explore a short subway line with a long history, and to learn about 100 years of transportation planning and technological innovation.

Walking and climbing stairs required. Please dress for the weather as this tour will take place outdoors and in areas of the transit system that are not climate-controlled. For information on American Sign Language interpreters, Assisted Listening Devices, or other accessibility matters please visit nytransitmuseum.org/accessibility. If you have any questions or concerns, please email tours@nytransitmuseum.org or call 718-694-1867.

All ticket sales are final. Should you be unable to attend the tour on the date you reserved, the full price of unused tickets may be treated as a donation to the Transit Museum and is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Museum is not able to reschedule reservations to another tour date.

Photo: Opening Ceremony for the automated shuttle at Grand Central Station, January 1962. From the collections of the New York Transit Museum, Object ID: 2005.48.287.

Due to impending weather, this Saturday's Nostalgia Ride to Green-Wood Cemetery has been postponed. Details on the rescheduled event will be sent by email as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience, and stay safe this weekend!